The Development of Data-Collection Methods for Thermal Comfort Assessment in Tropical Countries

Abstract

Thermal comfort in the built environment is one of the most defining parameters influencing energy use, environmental quality, and occupant satisfaction; therefore, it is currently receiving a great deal of academic attention. Unfortunately, there is still a pronounced lack of research in this area within developing countries in tropical regions, which are becoming increasingly urbanised and where mechanical air conditioning demands are rising dramatically. Many of these countries are adopting thermal comfort standards such as the ASHRAE Standard 55, the EN 15251, and the ISO 7730 to regulate the use of air-conditioning; even when these standards have been widely criticised for their inadequacy to suit other geographical regions and contexts, different to the ones that they were designed for. There is growing evidence to suggest the need to confirm these models through further post-occupancy studies and fieldwork in real buildings. Deficiencies in data collection and methodologies are thought to require particular attention, in order to develop algorithms that can predict thermal comfort levels with more accuracy. More comprehensive strategies considering relevant interrelated psychological, physiological and social factors are needed. This manuscript highlights gaps of research regarding thermal comfort in the built environment, through the analysis of Colombia as a case study. It is stressed here that new academic advancements in this area have had little effect on related policy. The work emphasises the importance of standardised fieldwork data and gives examples of alternative data collection and methodology systems. This aims to contribute to the current efforts of improving the understanding of occupant's adaptive behaviours and their potential impact on the mitigation of climate change.